{pain leads to transformation}

"practice is the hardest part of learning and training is the essence of transformation"

ann voskamp

::one thousand gifts::

::photo::

the coach leaned over her and pulled so hard that felt pain from one hundred yards away.
stretching.
followed by pain.
leads to transformation.
eventually... the perfect form of a gymnast.
long and lean and beautiful for all to see.
only learned through painful practice.

can i hope for this?
transformation?
a thankful heart?
one day might i have perfect form?
maybe.
first...i must practice.

{one word::2011::the journey begins}

i can already feel it.
chapter one.
challenged.
encouraged.

one thousand gifts by ann voskamp

{photo}

[gift]::something given volunarily without payment in return, as to show favor towards someone

there are more than a thousand i'm certain.
but i will start this journey of recognition today.
one thousand gifts.
one thousand blessings.
one thousand instances to bring things into perspective.
to take my mind off of the {foxes that ruin the vineyard of love}


#1 baby giggles: they echo from wall to wall in our home and make my heart leap for joy.

#2 eyelashes that tickle my nose with each goodnight kiss.

#3 a little girl that is beginning to understand living like jesus.

#4 a hot cup of coffee

#5 a place of worship...so welcoming

#6 date night filled with hand holding and stolen kisses

#7 a four year olds bed covered with minnie mouse's and dinosaurs and a little tot found right in the middle

#8 this season

#9 warm feet that touch mine through the night

#10 books that bring encouragement and new perspective

you cannot complain and be thankful at the same time.
i will choose to be thankful.
minute by minute.
hour by hour.
daily.

{thankful}